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Volunteers Essential to JDC

The John Deere Classic is underway as the first round began at TPC Deere Run in Silvis on Thursday. 

The tournament brings in an estimated $53 million dollars to the Quad Cities economy every year, and more than 2,000 volunteers make that possible. Speaking with several of them, it's clear that most of them donate their time because they love the people.  

With some coworkers from her job, Myrna Houdyshell has been volunteering at the tournament's information desks for eight years.

"Just being out here talking to people, because they ask us a bunch of questions and sometimes they ask us funny questions."

Lori Gilmore of Moline is in her second year as a marshal, ensuring people don't interfere with golfers. There's a special reason she volunteers.

"My brother was in the PGA briefly, and then he was stricken with MS [multiple sclerosis], so now I do it in his honor. He's now wheelchair bound, so I do it in his honor."

From information guides to marshals, to shuttle drivers and crossing guards, the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run could not run without its volunteers.

The John Deere Classic continues through Sunday.

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